A person who is gender expansive may be of anysexualityand any gender identity.
History of Gender Expression
What is “normal” for gender expression changes with time.
It is outside ofcisgendermale expression to wear high heels.
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However,high heels were first worn by menwho continued to wear them through Victorian times.
How we express gender changes over time.
The term has continued to be used in our culture in relation to both children and adults.
These are some of the most common ways that gender expansiveness manifests.
Anyone who wears clothing not aligned with their perceived gender may be considered gender expansive.
He founded an organization calledSpacious Human, with the tagline “Experiencing Expansiveness.”
Cohen is a cisgender man who began wearing dresses and skirts after the age of 50.
He now teaches others how to explore their gender and their expressions of it.
As with all forms of expression, this might be the case temporarily or permanently.
However, some men like to wear makeup, too.
For example,James Charlesbecame famous for his YouTube makeup tutorials.
A person mightchange their pronounsas one part of being gender expansive and exploring their identity.
Gender expansiveness may also be a part of someone’s gender becoming more fluid.
That could mean that someone isnonbinaryorgender-nonconforming, or they could be transgender.
Another benefit of gender expansiveness is the ability to feel like you are able to try new things.
You are free to be fluid in how you express yourself, no matter what people might think.
Being gender expansive can lead to judgment from others, which could involve harassment or bullying.
Don’t presume people’s gender or pronouns before they tell you about them.
Additionally, it’s important to ask appropriate questions to others.
You wouldn’t want a stranger to ask you invasive, personal questions and the same applies to them.
Consider doing your research before asking anyone in your life about their gender expression.
This saves others from having to performemotional laborfor you.
It is considered polite to not ask people questions you could easily find the answers to yourself.
It doesn’t have to mean anything, and it’s okay if it does, too.
Human Rights Campaign.Two Spirit and LGBTQ+ Identities: Today and Centuries Ago.
Human Rights Campaign.Resources on gender-expansive children & youth.
